On Grieving

A cut finger --
   is numb before it bleeds,
   it bleeds before it hurts,
   it hurts until it begins to heal,
   it forms a scab and itches until
      finally, the scab is gone and
      a small scar is left where
      once there was a wound.

Grief is the deepest wound you have
   ever had.  Like a cut finger, it
   goes through stages and leaves a scar.

Grieving is as natural as
   crying when you are hurt,
   sleeping when you are tired,
   eating when you are hungry,
   or sneezing when your nose itches.

It is nature's way of healing a
   broken heart.

Doug Manning
LET ME HAVE MY GRIEF

We Remember Them
             from the Gates of Prayer

In the rising of the sun
and in its going down -
   We remember them.

In the blowing of the wind
and in the chill of winter -
   We remember them.

In the opening of the buds
and in the warmth of summer -
   We remember them.

In the rustling of leaves
and in the beauty of autumn
   We remember them.

In the beginning of the year
and when it ends
   We remember them.

When we are weary
and in need of strength
   We remember them.

When we are lost
and sick at heart
   We remember them.

When we have joys
we yearn to share
   We remember them.

For as long as we live
they too shall live
for they are now a part of us

   As we remember them.